Overall

This rating is the expert's opinion on the overall appeal of the hotel. As well as taking in to account the category ratings, it will reflect other factors, such as the hotel's atmosphere.

Location

This rating shows how appealing the hotel is for a leisure traveller. For example, for a city hotel it will take in to account how convenient the hotel's location is for sights, restaurants and public transport.

Value for money

This rating shows how good value the hotel is compared with other hotels of similar standard in that destination.

Leisure facilities

This rating reflects the extent and quality of facilities on offer, such as a swimming pool, spa, bikes for hire, or perhaps the hotel's own guided tours.

Where there is no rating, this is because the hotel doesn't offer the service or facility.

Expert review of Holiday Inn Express

Last updated 28 October 2010

A top class location for this well known brand.

You may believe one Holiday Inn Express is much the same as another, but far from being in a purpose built box this one is housed in a conversion of a substantial Victorian townhouse. Once inside the interior is familiar but it is so reasonably priced for this location; it is certainly worth consideration.

Location:

Fabulous. Directly opposite the Edinburgh Playhouse at the top of Leith Walk, around the corner from Broughton Street (AKA the pink triangle) and only three minutes from Princes Street, this really is in the heart of happening Edinburgh. Just five minutes' walk from Waverley train station. Parking is a nightmare in this area so I suggest you give driving a miss.

Bedrooms:

The 168 bedrooms are all light, bright and functional. Light wood, warm yellow walls and super white crisp linen make this a modern sunny spot to hang out in, whatever the weather's like outside. You get the usual TV, satellite, and in house movies. Oh and if you have been partying, note the showers are brilliant!

The lounge area has a long well stocked bar with bar stools to stay near the party or leather booths with great views out to a really happening part of Edinburgh.

Eating and drinking:

Until recently the hotel only offered a continental breakfast, but as of July 2010 it offers hot options from the breakfast buffet too and shock, horror, it's free! The thing I like is that the hotel is more than happy for you to load up your tray with goodies and shuffle back to bed with it.

The lounge bar offers snacks from a vending machine and basic bar food but you are moments from a huge choice of bars and restaurants so I suggest you get out there immediately. More details: Edinburgh cafés and restaurants.